Waxman to Replace Dingell

The Hill says Rep. Henry Waxman will be the new chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, replacing John Dingell.

The dramatic intra-party showdown for the coveted position signals a leftward turn for the Democratic agenda. The outcome was a blow to the seniority system and a victory, at least in perception, for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Waxman is considered more liberal on issues like climate change, energy and business regulation, and potentially more aggressive on healthcare. Dingell, the longest-serving House lawmaker, is close to the auto industry and autoworkers.

Not a good turn of events for civil rights issues since Waxman is very anti-gun.